As Pitt Public Health strives to build bridges to younger generations, we are excited to offer the Public Health Science Academy. The Academy provides a path forward to a rewarding career in public health and other scientific fields for current 10th and 11th grade students at public high schools in Pittsburgh and Western PA.
The intensive four-week program engages students to:
- learn about core concepts relevant to today's most pressing public health issues
- apply public health knowledge through hands-on research projects and group work
- experience public health in the real-world through practice and field trips
The academy takes place June 22-July 17, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sessions are held at the Pitt Public Health building at 130 De Soto Street on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Field trips occur to local public health sites. Transportation is provided for all field trips.
Student Testimonials
“During this program, I learned about the different careers in public health, specifically how someone can pursue their own interests and connect them to public health.”
-Auden Campbell, 2025 participant
"PHSA taught me, and many others, about public health while also keeping us engaged during the summer. It is an amazing program and a great opportunity to be a part of."
-Gabriella Kron, 2025 participant
"PHSA is a great program that exposed me to new things that I may not have had the chance to explore or see up close. It was a great experience to work with mentors."
-Jade Lee-Green, 2025 participant
Who Should Apply
The Academy will accept applications from current 10th and 11th grade students enrolled in all high schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area (or in Western PA).
Eligible students must be academically motivated and have a strong interest in learning about public health science. Find additional eligibility information with the application.
Students who successfully complete the Academy will receive a $1,000 award at the end of the program. Students will also receive support for public transportation to and from the Pitt campus to attend the Academy.
Interested applicants without access to a computer or without reliable access to the internet can and should apply. The program provides necessary technical support for participants.
Academy Specifics
This engaging and interactive experience will include field trips for students to witness public health in action, opportunities to meet public health students and professionals, and a mentorship program matching Academy students with a Pitt Public Health faculty member.
WEEKS 1 & 2
Learn core public health concepts and career opportunities through case-based interactive lectures, exercises, and panel discussions.
WEEK 3
Work on inquiry-based research projects, with emphasis on public health skill-building such as critical thinking and teamwork.
WEEK 4
The academy concludes with a symposium featuring students' poster presentations about their research projects.
Schedule Information
The Academy will not be held on July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.
